Grey water toilet and flushing method

ABSTRACT

A method of flushing a toilet that includes opening a first valve to introduce a first supply of grey water into a passage to prime a siphon; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of water into a bowl from a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of the passage; closing the first valve to shut off the first supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl through an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by the introduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of the second supply of water; and closing the second valve to shut off the second supply of water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/019,487, filed on Sep. 5, 2013, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,565, whichwas filed on Sep. 6, 2012; and both applications are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to the field of toilets. Morespecifically, this application relates to toilets configured to utilizegrey water during operation to reduce the consumption or use of fresh orclean water during operation.

Conventional toilets are configured to utilize fresh (e.g., potable,clean, purified) water that is delivered to the bowl of the toilet tohelp evacuate waste contents from the bowl. In the U.S., the type ofwater and amount of water delivered to the bowl is generally regulatedby code or regulation. For example, the maximum volume (e.g., 6.1 L or1.6 gallons) of fresh water per flush cycle has been regulated for sometime in the U.S. and there is an ever increasing pressure for waterconservation (i.e., to consume less fresh water). Accordingly, it wouldbe advantageous to provide a toilet that is configured to utilize areduced volume of fresh water, such as, for example, by introducing asecond alternative volume of water (e.g., grey water) into the flushcycle without adversely affecting the performance of the toilet.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a toilet configured to be in fluidcommunication with a drain pipe. The toilet includes a tank, a bowl, anda passage. The tank is configured to hold a first supply of watertherein. The bowl has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is influid communication with the tank, such that the bowl is configured toreceive the first supply of water. The passage has a first end, a secondend, and an inlet opening provided between the first end and the secondend. The first end is in fluid communication with the outlet of thebowl, and the second end is configured to be in fluid communication withthe drain pipe. The passage is configured to receive a second supply ofwater through the inlet opening during a flush cycle.

The passage may include a weir that is provided between the first andsecond ends, wherein the inlet opening is provided between the weir andthe second end. A portion of the passage that is provided between theweir and the second end may be configured to define a waste side of thepassage, wherein the second supply of water may be grey water and mayremain on the waste side of the passage during the flush cycle, andwherein the first supply of water may be fresh water.

The toilet may optionally include a grey water system that includes astorage device that is configured to hold a volume of the grey water,where the storage device has an outlet that is in fluid communicationwith the inlet opening of the passage. The grey water system mayoptionally include a valve disposed between the inlet opening of thepassage and the outlet of the storage device, where the valve isconfigured to control the flow of the grey water from the storage deviceto the passage. The grey water system may optionally include acollection device that is configured to collect the grey water. The greywater system may optionally include a pump provided between thecollection device and the storage device, where the pump is configuredto move the collected grey water from the collection device to thestorage device. The collection device may, for example, be a drain forone of a shower and a bath. Alternatively, the collection device may beconfigured to capture rainwater.

According to one example, the storage device is located in the tank ofthe toilet. For example, the tank may be configured to include acompartment for storing the fresh water therein, where the grey water inthe storage device is fluidly separated from the fresh water in thecompartment of the tank. According to another example, the storagedevice is located in a base of the toilet that houses the bowl.

Another embodiment relates to a method of flushing a toilet, such as agrey water toilet. The method of flushing the toilet includes opening afirst valve to introduce a first supply of grey water into a passage toprime a siphon; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply ofwater into a bowl from a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is influid communication with an inlet of the passage; closing the firstvalve to shut off the first supply of water; evacuating the contents ofthe bowl through an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generatedby the introduction of the first supply of water and the introduction ofthe second supply of water; and closing the second valve to shut off thesecond supply of water.

The method may further include an actuator, the actuator beingconfigured to open the first valve and the second valve. The firstsupply of water may be grey water or fresh water, and the second supplyof water may be fresh water.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method of flushing a toilet, such asa grey water toilet. The method of flushing the toilet includes openinga first valve to introduce a first supply of water into a bowl from atank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with aninlet of a passage; opening a second valve to introduce a second supplyof water into the passage to prime a siphon; closing the second valve toshut off the second supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowlthrough an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by theintroduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of thesecond supply of water; and closing the first valve to shut off thefirst supply of water.

The method may further include an actuator, the actuator beingconfigured to open the first valve and the second valve upon actuation.The first supply of water may be fresh water, and the second supply ofwater may be fresh water or grey water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toiletconfigured to utilize grey water during operation.

FIG. 2 is a partial-sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a toilet configured to utilize grey water duringoperation.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another rear perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 2 showing a firstphase of operation.

FIG. 7 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 2 showing a secondphase of operation.

FIG. 8 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 2 showing a thirdphase of operation.

FIG. 9 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 2 showing a fourthphase of operation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of atoilet configured to utilize grey water during operation.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is yet another perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of atoilet configured to utilize grey water during operation.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional perspective view of the toilet of FIG.14.

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a side-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a toiletconfigured to utilize grey water and showing a first phase of operation.

FIG. 19 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 18 showing asecond phase of operation.

FIG. 20 is a side-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 18 showing athird phase of operation.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of atoilet configured to utilize grey water during operation, which is shownwith a cover in the closed position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 21 with the covershown in an open position.

FIGS. 23-25 are perspective views of the toilet of FIG. 21 with thehousing removed for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed herein are toilets thatare configured to utilize a first source of water, such as, for example,fresh water delivered to a bowl, and a second or alternative source ofwater, such as, for example, grey water delivered to the passage of thetoilet during operation of a flush cycle. For example, the toiletsdisclosed herein may utilize a first source of fresh water introducedinto the bowl and a second source of grey water introduced into thepassage during operation of a flush cycle. This allows the toiletsdisclosed herein to use a reduced amount of fresh water during eachflush cycle of the toilet in order to reduce the overall consumption offresh water used by the toilet. Alternatively, the toilets disclosedherein may utilize a first source of fresh water introduced into thebowl and a second source of fresh water introduced into the passage,such as when the supply of grey water is low or out, during operation ofa flush cycle.

The term “grey water” as used herein includes alternative sources ofwater, such as unpurified water that has been captured (e.g., rainwater,salt water, etc.), recycled water (e.g., used shower and/or bath water,dishwasher, clothes washer, etc.), and other sources of non-potablewater (e.g., city sourced “purple pipe” non-potable water, etc.). Forexample, the term “grey water” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, unpurified water such as captured rainwater, recycled waterfrom another appliance and/or plumbing fixture, such as a shower, bath,dishwasher, sink, washing machine, etc., and the like. The term “freshwater” includes, but is not limited to, potable water that is typicallysafe for consumption by people and may be subject to variousregulations, treatment requirements, etc.

The toilets may include a grey water system that delivers (e.g.,introduces) the grey water into the toilet, such as during a flushcycle. The grey water may be introduced into the toilet on the wasteside of the toilet bowl downstream of the water seal, such as into thepassage forming the trapway that fluidly connects the bowl of the toiletto a drain pipe. The grey water systems may also include storage devicesthat hold captured grey water for use in the toilet. The grey watersystems may also include collection devices that capture the grey waterand deliver the captured water to, for example, the storage device.

The toilets disclosed herein may be configured to receive an amount of“grey water” on the waste (e.g., septic) side of the tank in order to“prime” the siphon pipe of the toilet and reduce the amount of “fresh”(e.g., potable) water, required to effectively evacuate the wastematerial from the toilet during a flush cycle. During the flushingcycle, the grey water remains on the waste or septic side of the toiletplumbing fixtures (e.g., on the waste or septic side of a toilet trap,weir, siphon pipe, passage, trapway, etc.).

The toilets, as disclosed herein, utilizing grey water during a flushcycle provide several advantages, only some of which are discussed.First, the grey water toilet systems disclosed herein may advantageouslyreduce the amount of fresh water required during each flush cycle, suchas by using a volume of grey water in each flush cycle. Second, the greywater toilet systems disclosed herein may comply with governmentregulations, treatment requirements, etc., since the grey water isconfigured to remain on the waste side of the system. For example,should grey water be introduced into the toilet bowl (rather than thewaste side of the siphon pipe), the grey water would typically need tobe treated, filtered, cleaned, etc. to meet various water regulations.Maintaining the grey water on the waste or septic side of the system mayavoid many or all of these regulations. Accordingly, the toiletsdisclosed herein may advantageously not require any additionalmaintenance by the consumer (e.g., the home owner) relative to level ofmaintenance for a conventional toilet. For example, the toiletsdisclosed herein do not require the periodic (e.g. weekly, monthly,etc.) replacement of filters or the addition of chemicals to treat thewater to ensure it is safe to use. Third, the configuration (e.g., size,shape, etc.) and aesthetics of the grey water toilet are not adverselyimpacted by the introduction of the grey water system, since theelements or components, such as the storage device, may be integratedinto an existing toilet or may be located remote from the toilet.Consumers of the toilets disclosed herein will also not be able todetect that grey water is being used, since the toilets will not emitany additional odors beyond that of a conventional toilet. Further, theactuators that initiate the flush cycles of the toilets disclosed hereinmay be configured to function using existing methods. For example, theflush cycles of the toilets disclosed herein may be activated by ahandle (e.g., a pivoting handle), a lever (e.g., a lift lever), a button(e.g., a push button), or any other conventional actuation device. Thus,from a consumers' perspective, the toilets disclosed herein mayadvantageously look and be operated like any other toilet.

Furthermore, utilizing grey water during a flush cycle may not onlyreduce the amount of fresh water required during a flush cycle (e.g.,from approximately 1.28 gallons per flush to approximately 0.25 gallonsper flush), but also maintain and or even increase the effectiveness ofthe flush cycle, such that the total volume of water required (e.g.,less than 1.25 gallons, approximately 1.0 gallon, etc.), including bothfresh and grey water, may be the same or even less than the volume offresh water required by more conventional toilets that utilize astandard flush cycle.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 1 that includes atank 2, a pedestal 3 (or base), and a seat assembly 4. The tank 2 mayinclude a hollow container 20 for storing the water (e.g., fresh water,grey water) used during operational (e.g., flushing) cycles of thetoilet 1, a lid (e.g., cover) 21 for providing selective access into thecontainer 20, and an actuator 22 that is configured to initiate anoperational (e.g., flush) cycle when activated. The actuator 22 may be abutton configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermineddistance or when touched (e.g., touch sensitive button), a leverconfigured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, orany suitable device configured to activate based upon an inputmanipulation by a user. The actuator 22 may be disposed anywhere on thetank 2, may be provided on another component of the toilet 1, such asthe base, or may be located remotely from the toilet, such as on a wallor fixture near the toilet.

The tank 2 may include an inlet opening (not shown) configured toreceive water (e.g., fresh water) from a coupled water supply (notshown), such as through a hose (e.g., line, tube). In other words, thetank 2 may receive a supply of fresh water through the inlet from afresh water source, which may be a water line of the dwelling in whichthe toilet 1 is installed. The tank 2 may also include an inlet valveassembly (not shown) or other device configured to control the flow offresh water from the fresh water source or supply into the tank throughthe inlet.

The pedestal 3 (or base) of the toilet 1 may include a wall 30 havingany suitable shape that is configured to form a bowl 31 (as shown inFIG. 1) having an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of theopening. The bowl 31 may be configured to include a receptacle (e.g.,sump) and an outlet opening (e.g., exit 35 shown in FIG. 5), wherein thewater and waste is collected in the receptacle until being removedthrough the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator 22.The pedestal 3 may also be configured to include a plurality of wallshaving varying shapes that together form a bowl having an opening formedby a rim. The wall 30 (or walls) of the pedestal may extend downwardand/or rearward from the bowl 31 to form a lower portion 32 configuredto support the pedestal 3 and the toilet 1.

The pedestal 3 may also include a top member 33 that extends between twosides of the wall 30 (or between two opposing walls) and is providedrearward (or behind) the bowl 31, such as, for example, the rim, whereinthe top member 33 forms a plateau for supporting the tank 2, such as abottom surface of the container 20 of the tank 2. The plateau formed bythe top member 33 may also provide for coupling of the seat assembly 4to the pedestal 3 of the toilet 1. For example, the top member 33 mayinclude one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configuredto receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g.,attach) the seat assembly 4 to the top member 33. As another example,the top member 33 may include one or more than one fastening device(e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e.,already provided connected or coupled to the pedestal 3), wherein thefastening device may be used to couple or secure at least a portion ofthe seat assembly 4 to the pedestal 3.

The seat assembly 4 may include a cover member 41 (e.g., lid), a seatmember 42 (e.g., ring member), and a hinge (not shown in FIG. 1). Theseat member 42 may form an annular member that encircles an opening,wherein the annular seat member 42 provides a seating surface for theuser of the toilet 1. The seat member 42 may also be pivotally coupled(e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (orpivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seatedposition and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 41may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape.Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover memberwill be configured to complement or match (i.e., to be substantiallysimilar to) the profile of the outer surface of the seat member toimprove the aesthetics of the seat assembly 4 and toilet 1. The covermember 41 may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member 41may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first down orlowered position and a second raised or upright position. The covermember 41 may be provided above the seat member 42 in the down positionto thereby cover the opening of the seat member 42, as well as toconceal the inside of the bowl 31 of the pedestal 3. The cover member 41may be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank 2,when the cover member 41 is in the upright position, such that the covermember 41 remains in the upright position in order for a user to situpon the seat member 42.

It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank,pedestal, and the seat assembly, may vary from the embodiments shown anddescribed herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are notlimiting. It is also noted, for example, that although the exemplaryembodiment of the toilet 1 is shown configured with the tank 2 formedseparately from the pedestal 3 and later coupled to the pedestal, thetank 2 may be integrally formed with the pedestal 3 as a one-piecedesign. In other words, the toilet 1 may be a one-piece design, atwo-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The grey watertoilets as described herein may be used with a wide variety of toiletconfigurations, and all such configurations are intended to beencompassed herein. The following description of various toilet featuresis therefore intended as illustration only of various examples, and itshould be understood by those reviewing the present description thatsimilar concepts or features may be included in various otherembodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet 1 includes a passage 6 (e.g., atrapway) that is configured to extend from the bowl 31 (e.g., the exitor outlet) to a drain pipe 95 (e.g., soil pipe), such as, for example,provided in the floor of the building (e.g., structure, dwelling, etc.)in which the toilet 1 is being installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet1 may be configured as a siphoning toilet, where the passage 6 isconfigured as a siphoning trapway to create a siphon during a flushingcycle to evacuate the waste contents from the bowl 31 to the drain pipe95.

Also shown in FIG. 1, the toilet 1 may include a fastening system 11 forattaching the toilet 1 to a fixture of the building, such as to thefloor. The fastening system 11 may include one or more than one fastener(e.g., bolt, screw, etc.), where each fastener engages a hole in thepedestal 3 to thread to another fastener (e.g., a nut) that is coupledto the drain pipe and/or the floor. It should be noted that the toilets1 disclosed herein may utilize any suitable fastening system, and theexamples disclosed herein are not limiting.

The toilet (e.g., toilet 1) may also include a grey water system thatintroduces the grey water into the toilet. The grey water system mayoptionally be configured to capture and store the grey water. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the grey water system includes a collectiondevice that is configured to capture or collect the grey water, astorage device that is configured to store the collected grey waterprior to use, and a delivery device that is configured to introduce thegrey water into the toilet during a flush cycle. It is noted that thetoilets disclosed herein may include any one of any combination of thedelivery, storage, and collection devices/systems.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 1 having a greywater system 7 that is configured to introduce captured grey water intothe passage 6 (e.g., the trapway) of the toilet 1 during a flush cycle.The grey water system 7 includes a collection device 70 in the form of apipe 70 a and a drain 70 b that is configured to capture shower waterfrom the bath/shower. The grey water system 7 may also include a pump 71or other suitable device that is configured to move, such as throughfluid pressure, the recycled shower water from the collection device 70to a storage device 72. As shown the storage device 72 is configured asa tank or container that is configured to hold a specified volume ofgrey water therein. The size (e.g., volume) of the storage device 72 maybe varied, such as, for the anticipated use of the toilet. In otherwords, the volume that the storage device 72 can hold may be tailored tothe specific application or type of dwelling in which the toilet isinstalled. For example, for a typical residential dwelling, the storagedevice 72 may be configured to hold approximately 10-40 gallons of greywater, where for a commercial dwelling expecting a greater usage of thetoilet, a relatively larger tank (e.g., one that is configured to hold40-100 gallons or more) may be provided. It is noted that these volumesdisclosed are examples, and are not limiting, as the storage devices maybe configured to hold any volume of grey water therein. For example, itmay be ideal to size the tank such that the stored volume of grey wateris used by the toilet within a specific period of time (e.g., one day,one week, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage device 72 includes aninlet 72 a and an outlet 72 b. The inlet 72 a is configured to receivethe grey water from the collection device 70, such as through aconveyor, which may include a pipe or a plurality of pipes. As shown inFIG. 2, a first pipe 73 a transfers the grey water from the collectiondevice 70 to the pump 71, and a second pipe 73 b transfers the greywater from the pump 71 to the storage device 72. Thus, the second pipe73 b may be connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet 72 aof the storage device 72. The outlet 72 b of the storage device 72 isconfigured to introduce the stored grey water to the passage 6. As shownin FIG. 2, a third pipe 73 c transfers the grey water from the storagedevice 72 through the outlet 72 b to the passage 6. The storage tank 72may also be vented through the plumbing network. The storage device 72may optionally include a fresh water inlet to provide a source or supplyof fresh water, such as in the event the grey water runs low or is usedup.

The toilet 1 may include a valve 74 (e.g., valve assembly) disposedbetween the outlet 72 b of the storage device 72 and the passage 6,where the valve 74 controls the flow (e.g., the volume, the time, etc.)of the grey water from the storage device 72 to the passage 6. Forexample, the valve 74 may be in-line with the third pipe 73 c. The valve74 is configured to open and close to permit or prohibit (e.g.,shut-off) the flow of the grey water therethrough. The valve 74 may becontrolled mechanically, electronically, or a combination thereof. Forexample, the actuator 22 may be configured to control the operation ofthe valve 74 through a mechanical feature, such as a lever arm. Asanother example, the actuator 22 may be configured to activate anelectronic device upon actuation, where the electronic device controlsthe valve 74. As yet another example, the actuator 22 may be a buttonthat is configured to send an electronic signal to a solenoid (or othersuitable device) upon being depressed, where the solenoid controls theopening and closing of the valve 74. The timing of the valve 74, such aswhen to open and when to close, may be varied to tailor the operation ofthe valve to the performance of the toilet. For example, the valve 74may be opened approximately one to two seconds prior to the siphon.

The grey water system 7 may also include a dispensing subsystem 90 fordispensing excess or additional grey water, such as when the storagedevice 72 is full. The dispensing subsystem 90 may include one or morethan one pipe to dispense the excess grey water.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the dispensing subsystem 90 includes a firstdispensing pipe 91, a second dispensing pipe 92, and a third dispensingpipe 93. The first dispensing pipe 91 may fluidly connect the storagedevice 72 and the third dispensing pipe 93. For example, the firstdispensing pipe 91 may be provided at a top portion of the storagedevice 72 in order for excess grey water to drain from the storagedevice 72 when the storage device is full. As shown, the firstdispensing pipe 91 extends upwardly from the top of the storage device72.

The second dispensing pipe 92 may fluidly connect the collection device70 and the third dispensing pipe 93. For example, the second dispensingpipe 92 may be configured to direct excess grey water to the thirddispensing pipe 93 when the storage device 72 is full of grey water. Thesecond dispensing pipe 92 may extend from a fitting 94, such as athree-way (e.g., tee) fitting, which interconnects the first pipe 73 aof the grey water system, the second dispensing pipe 92 and a collectionpipe 70 a. The third dispensing pipe 93 may also be in fluidcommunication with the drain pipe 95, which may be connected to amunicipal sewer system or a septic sewer system.

The dispensing subsystem 90 may be configured differently than shown andstill provide for the effective handling and removal of excess greywater. Additionally, the grey water system 7 may be configured torepurpose the grey water. For example, the grey water system 7 mayadvantageously be configured so that the movement of the grey waterthrough the system helps remove debris (e.g., sludge, sediment, etc.)from the captured grey water in the tank. The overflow of the tank mayact as a skimming device as grey water is moved through the tank to helpremove any debris. As another example, the excess grey water can bedirected into the trap to help with drain line carry. This arrangementmay help alleviate flow problems, which can be problematic inconventional low flow toilets, such as by supplying additional waterthat would not otherwise be available to the waste line, which mayadvantageously provide a more reliable unit that is less susceptible toclogging or plugging in the waste line (e.g., drain pipe 95).

The grey water system 7 may be installed within the infrastructure ofthe dwelling, such as for new builds, or may be retrofitted into thestructures of existing dwellings. For example, the grey water system 7may be installed within a wall 80 (or walls) of the infrastructure ofthe dwelling. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage device 72 of the greywater system 7 is installed between two studs 81 of a frame 82 of thewall 80. The pipes of the grey water system 7 may be routed within orbehind the walls to improve the appearance of the washroom by hiding theplumbing.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the toilet 1 having thepassage 6, which is configured to carry the waste and fluid from thebowl 31 to the drain pipe 95. The passage 6 may be configured having anirregular shape (e.g., U-shape, S-shape, etc.), including a generallytubular cross-section (e.g., circular, oval, etc.). As shown in FIG. 5,the passage 6 includes a first end 61 (e.g., an entrance), a second end62 (e.g., an exit), and an inlet opening 63 provided between the firstend 61 and the second end 62. The first end 61 is in fluid communicationwith the exit or outlet 35 of the bowl 31. The second end 62 is in fluidcommunication with the drain pipe 95 to discharge the waste and fluidfrom the toilet 1. The inlet opening 63 is configured to introduce thegrey water into the passage 6 from the storage device 72.

The passage 6 may extend from the first end 61 in a generally rearwarddirection forming a first portion 60 a (e.g., an up-leg) of the passage6. The passage 6 may have a second curved portion 60 b having aninverted U-shape. As shown in FIG. 6, an upper section of the invertedU-shaped second curved portion 60 b is disposed at a height that ishigher than the first portion 60 a of the passage 6 and a lower portionof the bowl 31 (e.g., a sump) in order for a volume of fresh water toremain in the bowl 31 following a flush cycle. Thus, the bottom surfaceof the upper section of the second portion 60 b of the passage 6 may beat a height that determines a water level (e.g., of the fresh water) inthe bowl after completion of a flush cycle, as shown in FIG. 6. In otherwords, the second portion 60 b of the passage 6 may act as a weir (e.g.,dam) to capture a volume of fresh water in the bottom of the bowl 31.The passage 6 may have a generally vertical third portion 60 c (e.g., adown-leg) that extends from the second portion 60 b downwardly towardthe second end 62. The passage 6 may include a fourth portion 60 d thatextends generally in a forward horizontal direction from the thirdportion 60 c.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the inlet opening63 is located in a rearward portion of the curved second portion 60 b,which may advantageously allow the grey water to be introduced into thepassage 6 with gravity acting to move the grey water down through thethird portion 60 c toward the second end 62 of the passage 6. Thisarrangement may advantageously influence (e.g., induce) the siphoningeffect of the toilet 1 during a flush cycle.

The inlet opening 63 may be provided at a lower rearward section of thesecond curved portion to advantageously prohibit the grey water fromback-flowing into first portion 60 a of the passage 6. For example, theinlet opening 63 is provided at a location that is level or below theupper peak of the bottom surface of the second portion 60 b, such asnear the transition between the second curved portion 60 b and the thirdportion 60 c. This arrangement may advantageously comply with governmentregulations related to the water (e.g., purity) in the bowl byprohibiting the grey water from back-flowing into first portion 60 a ofthe passage 6.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the inlet opening 63 isprovided at a location in the third section of the passage 6. Accordingto yet another exemplary embodiment, the inlet opening 63 is positionedas high as possible to maximize the siphon in the third portion 60 c.This arrangement may advantageously minimize the amount of air withinthe passage 6, such as between the inlet opening 63 and the residingwater in the bowl 31 and first portion 60 a of the passage 6. Thepassage 6 may seal (e.g., the valve 74 may be closed), for example, oncethe third portion 60 c is primed with water, to induce a siphon orsiphoning in the passage 6.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a five step flush cycleof a grey water toilet, such as the toilet 1. In other words, FIGS. 6-9show a method of flushing the toilet that involves five steps orprocesses. As shown in FIG. 6, prior to the flush cycle, a volume V1 offresh water is provided in the bottom of the bowl 31 (remainingfollowing the previous flush cycle), and both of the valves 24, 74 areclosed. Upon the user activating the flush cycle (e.g., by depressing atrip lever, pushing a button, etc.), the first step involves opening thevalve 74 (e.g., a first valve) to introduce a supply of grey water intothe passage 6 to prime a siphon. The second step involves opening asecond valve 24 to introduce a supply of fresh water into the bowl 31from the tank 2, the bowl 31 having an outlet 35 that is in fluidcommunication with an inlet (e.g., the first end 61) of the passage 6.The third step involves closing the first valve 74 to shut off thesupply of grey water. The fourth step involves evacuating the contentsof the bowl 31 through an outlet (e.g., the second end 62) of thepassage 6 by way of a siphoning action. The fifth step involves closingthe second valve 24 to shut off the supply of fresh water and stop thesiphoning action.

As shown in FIG. 6, the toilet 1 prior to activation of a flush cycleincludes an initial volume V1 of fresh water based on the water level ofthe toilet. The initial volume of fresh water may be provided in thelower portion of the bowl and at least a portion of the first portion 60a of the passage 6. The first step may be initiated by activating theactuation device, such as the actuator 22 shown in FIG. 1. For example,rotation of the actuator 22 by a first rotation (e.g., a first angle)may first initiate the opening of the valve 74 to allow grey water toflow into the passage 6. As shown in FIG. 7, once the valve 74 isopened, a volume V2 of the grey water enters the passage 6 and may flowthrough the third section 60 c that extends downwardly toward the secondend 62. It is noted that the cross-hatch corresponding to the volume V2shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 represents the grey water. The grey water may beintroduced prior to the introduction of the fresh water in order toprime the siphon of the toilet 1. In other words, by introducing thegrey water into the passage 6 for a time period before fresh water inintroduced into the bowl 31, the grey water acts to affect the siphoningof the flush cycle of the toilet 1.

The second step may also be initiated by activating the actuationdevice, such as the actuator 22. For example, rotation of the actuator22 by a second rotation (e.g., a second angle) may initiate the openingof the valve 24 to allow fresh water to move from the tank 2 to the bowl31. Also, for example, a time delay from the initial actuation may beused to trigger the opening of the valve 24. The top member 33 of thepedestal 3 may include an inlet 34 (e.g., an entrance) that may bealigned with an outlet 25 (e.g., exit) of the tank 2, such as when thetank 2 is coupled to (or resting above) the pedestal 3, wherein water(e.g., fresh water) is selectively transferred (e.g., conducted) fromthe tank 2 to the bowl 31 by the valve 24. Thus, the valve 24 controlsthe flow of fresh water from the tank 2 to the pedestal 3 (e.g., thebowl 31) for toilet 1. The toilet 1 may also include a gasket or seal(not shown) that is provided between the tank 2 and the pedestal 3 toprohibit leaking therebetween. For example, a resilient gasket may beprovided between the outlet 25 of the tank 2 and the inlet 34 of thepedestal 3 to prohibit leaking between the tank and the pedestal. Thetank 2 may also include a float device (not shown) or any other suitabledevice (e.g., canister) that controls the valve 24, such as bycontrolling the timing (e.g., opening) of the valve 24 to meter the flowtherethrough.

The valve 24 may be configured to be opened after a time delay from whenthe valve 74 is opened. For example, the actuator 22 may open the valve24 (e.g., first valve) after a time delay from when the actuator 22opened the valve 74 (e.g., second valve). According to an exemplaryembodiment, the time delay is approximately one to three seconds. Thus,for this example, the valve 74 may be opened for a time of approximatelyone to three seconds before the valve 24 is opened, allowing grey waterto flow into the passage 6 for one to three seconds before the freshwater begins to flow into the bowl 31 from the tank 2. It is noted thatthe valves (e.g., the valve 24 and the valve 74) may be activated by thesame actuation device as described above, or by different actuationdevices. For example, the user may activate a first actuation device(e.g., a push button) which opens the valve 74, where a second actuationdevice, which may be actuated by the valve 74 or based on the timing ofthe opening of the valve 74, opens the valve 24. It is further notedthat the valves may be activated having different timing relative toeach other.

The third step involves closing the valve 74 (e.g., first valve) to shutoff the supply of grey water flowing into the passage 6 from the storagedevice 72. The valve 74 may be configured to be closed mechanically,electronically, or a combination thereof. The valve 74 may be closedprior to the siphoning action to allow the fresh water flowing throughthe valve 24 to increase the pressure in the passage 6 to induce thesiphon and/or to prevent the contents of the bowl 31 and fluid tobackflow through the inlet opening 63 and into the third pipe 73 cand/or the storage device 72. As shown in FIG. 8, after the valve 74closes, the fresh water continues to enter the bowl 31 since the valve24 remains open. Thus, a volume V3 of the fresh water enters the bowl 31to induce and/or continue the siphon and to move the volume V2 of thegrey water out of the second end 62 of the passage 6. As an example, thevalve 74 may be a line pressure actuated pilot valve configured toactuate a main valve, which may be driven by a pressure drop when thefresh water line (e.g., through the valve 24) is actuated.

The fourth step involves using a generated siphon to evacuate thecontents of the bowl 31 through an outlet (e.g., the second end 62) ofthe passage 6. The siphon is induced by the flow of fresh water into thebowl 31 combined with the flow of grey water into the passage 6. Forexample, the siphon may be induced primarily by the flow of the greywater and secondarily by the flow of the fresh water. The siphon may beinduced when the passage 6 fills with water (e.g., fresh water and greywater). Thus, it may be advantageous to introduce the grey water intothe passage 6 to assist the fresh water in inducing the siphon of theflush cycle. The use of grey water advantageously reduces the amount(e.g., volume) of fresh water that is used during a flush cycle. Thegrey water may be introduced prior to the introduction of the freshwater in order to prime the siphon of the toilet 1, where the siphoningmoves the contents of the bowl 31 through the passage 6 and out of thetoilet through the second end 62 of the passage to the drain pipe 95.During the siphoning, the volume V2 of the grey water is flushed fromthe passage 6.

The fifth step involves closing the second valve 24 to shut off thesupply of fresh water. Fresh water continues to fill the bowl 31 afterthe siphoning action in order to fill the bottom of the bowl 31 and thereservoir (e.g., at least a portion of the passage 6) with a volume V1of the fresh water. As shown in FIG. 9, once the volume V1 of the freshwater has been introduced into the bowl 31, the valve 24 is configuredto close to shut off the supply of fresh water. The time delay betweenclosing the valve 24 may be tailored depending on the toilet 1, such asto tailor the volume of water that enters the bowl 31.

The grey water toilets disclosed herein (e.g., toilets 1, 101, 201, 301,401) may utilize a different method of flushing the toilet. For example,another exemplary method of flushing the toilet involves five steps orprocesses. The first step of the method involves opening a first valve(e.g., valve 24) to introduce a supply of fresh water into a bowl (e.g.,bowl 31), such as, for example from a tank (e.g., tank 2), where thebowl includes an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet ofa passage (e.g., passage 6). The second step of the method involvesopening a second valve (e.g., valve 74) to introduce a supply of greywater into the passage (e.g., passage 6) to prime a siphon therein. Thegrey water may be introduced into an inlet opening of the passage. Thethird step of the method involves closing the second valve to shut offthe supply of grey water. The second valve may be closed using amechanical device, an electronic device, or a combination thereof. Thefourth step of the method involves evacuating the contents of the bowlthrough an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by theintroduction of the supply of grey water and the introduction of thesupply of fresh water. The fifth step of the method involves closing thefirst valve to shut off the supply of fresh water.

The toilets disclosed herein are configured to improve performance ofthe flush cycle by introducing the supply of water (e.g., grey water,fresh water) into the passage. For example, by introducing the supply ofwater on the waste side of the passage, a vacuum may be establishedwithin the passage. The vacuum may induce a siphon to evacuate thecontents of the bowl, such as with using a reduced amount of water (intotal and/or fresh water). As the supply of water (e.g., a volume ofgrey water) is introduced or delivered into the passage, such as thevertical section of the passage, the supply of water fills the void andfalls (e.g., through gravity) through the passage, which may establish avacuum or low pressure. The low pressure or vacuum pulls on the water(and contents) in the sump of the bowl pulling it through the passage(e.g., up and over the weir of the passage). Accordingly, by inducing avacuum, the supply of water (e.g., a volume of grey water) introducedinto the passage “primes” the passage and allows the flush cycle to useless total water (e.g., the volume of water introduced into the bowl andthe volume of water introduced into the passage) compared to a toiletthat introduces water only into the bowl, since the latter toiletrequires additional water to push the contents of the bowl up and overthe weir. By utilizing grey water for the volume of water introducedinto the passage, the toilet further reduces the amount of fresh waterused per flush cycle.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 101having a grey water system 107 that is configured to introduce capturedgrey water into the toilet 101 during a flush cycle. The toilet 101 maybe configured similar to, the same as, or different than the othertoilets disclosed herein. The grey water system 107 may be configured tointroduce the grey water into the passage 106 (e.g., the trapway) of thetoilet 101 during a flush cycle.

The grey water system 107 includes a collection device (e.g., thecollection device 170 shown in FIG. 13) that is configured to captureshower water from the bath/shower, rain water, or any other suitableform of grey water, and a storage device (e.g., the storage device 172shown in FIG. 11) that is configured to store the captured grey water.The grey water system 107 may also include a pump 171 (shown in FIG. 12)or any other suitable device that is configured to move the recycledshower water (e.g., the grey water) from the collection device 170 tothe storage device 172.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the storage device 172 is configured as atank or container that is configured to hold a specified volume of greywater therein. The size (e.g., volume) of the storage device 172 may betailored, such as, for the anticipated use of the toilet. As shown inFIG. 11, the storage device 172 may be disposed on the exterior surfaceof a wall, such as the wall provided behind and/or above the toilet 101.It is noted that the storage device 172 may be located anywhere in thewashroom, and does not have to be provided behind the toilet 101, sincethe piping may transfer the grey water to the toilet 101.

Also shown in FIG. 10, the storage device 172 may be constructed withina cabinet, which may include a mirrored surface 176 a, such as providedon a movable (e.g., pivoting) door. For example, the door having themirrored surface may be disposed on the outside of the storage device172 to conceal the storage device 172 and provide the added utility ofthe mirror. The storage device 172 may include a frame 176 b, such as tosurround and conceal the storage device 172. The cabinet (e.g., theframe 176 b) may optionally include a shelf 176 c (or a plurality ofshelves) configured to provide storage space.

As shown in FIG. 11, the storage device 172 includes an inlet 172 a andan outlet 172 b. The inlet 172 a is configured to receive the grey waterfrom the collection device 170, such as through a conveyor (e.g., apipe, a plurality of pipes). As shown in FIG. 12, a first pipe 173 atransfers the grey water from the collection device 170 to a pump 171,and a second pipe 173 b transfers the grey water from the pump 171 tothe storage device 172. The outlet 172 b is configured to introduce thestored grey water to the toilet 101, such as to a passage 106 of thetoilet 101. A third pipe 173 c transfers the grey water from the storagedevice 172 through the outlet 172 b to the toilet 101.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 201having a grey water system 207 that is configured to introduce capturedgrey water into the toilet 201 during a flush cycle. The toilet 201includes a tank 202, a pedestal 203 configured to support the tank 202,a seat assembly 204, and the grey water system 207. The pedestal 203 maybe configured similar to, generally the same as, or different than thepedestal 3. For example, the pedestal 203 may include a bowl 231 and apassage 206 fluidly connecting the bowl 231 to a drain pipe or othersuitable connection.

As shown in FIG. 16, the tank 202 includes a first compartment 225(e.g., container, vessel, receptacle, cavity, etc.) and a secondcompartment 226 that is fluidly separated from the first compartment225. The first compartment 225 is configured to hold a volume of freshwater, and the second compartment 226 is configured to hold a volume ofgrey water. In other words, the tank 202 is configured as a dualcompartment tank. The tank 202 may be divided so that the firstcompartment 225 and the second compartment 226 are disposed in aside-by-side configuration, in a top-to-bottom configuration, afront-to-back configuration, or having any suitable configuration. Thesize (e.g., volume) of the first compartment 225 may be the same as ormay be different than the size of the second compartment 226.

As shown in FIG. 17, the tank 202 may also include a first inlet 227 aand a second inlet 227 b. The first inlet 227 a is fluidly connected toa supply of fresh water to allow fresh water to enter the firstcompartment 225, such as through a water line. The second inlet 227 b isfluidly connected to a supply of grey water to allow grey water to enterthe second compartment 226, such as from a storage device. The greywater system 207 may include a valve that is configured to control theflow of the fresh water into the first inlet 227 a and/or of the greywater into the second inlet 227 b.

The tank 202 may also include a first outlet 228 a and a second outlet228 b. The first outlet 228 a is provided in the first compartment 225to allow the fresh water to exit the first compartment 225. The greywater system 207 may include a first valve 224 a that is configured toregulate or control the flow of the fresh water from the firstcompartment 225 through the first outlet 228 a. For example, the firstvalve 224 a may be provided in the tank 202. The second outlet 228 b isprovided in the second compartment 226 to allow the grey water to exitthe second compartment 226. The grey water system 207 may include asecond valve 224 b that is configured to regulate or control the flow ofthe grey water from the second compartment 226 through the second outlet228 b. For example, the second valve 224 b may be provided in the tank202.

The grey water system 207 may optionally include a tube or othersuitable device, which may extend between one of the outlets (e.g.,first outlet 228 a, second outlet 228 b) and its respective inlet in thepedestal. For example, a tube 229 a may extend between the first outlet228 a of the first compartment 225 and an inlet of the toilet 201 (e.g.,the pedestal) to supply the fresh water from the tank 202 to thepedestal. Also, for example, a tube 229 b may extend between the secondoutlet 228 b of the second compartment 226 to the pedestal, such as aninlet opening 263 in the passage 206. The first and second valves 224 a,224 b may be provided within the tubes 229 a, 229 b, may be provided inthe tank 202, or may be coupled to the pedestal.

The toilet 201 may include an actuator, such as a handle or buttonprovided on the tank 202, where the actuator may control the first valve224 a and/or the second valve 224 b. For example, the actuator may beconfigured to be activated by a user, where upon activation, theactuator may first open the second valve 224 b to allow a volume of thegrey water to enter the toilet 201, such as into the passage 206, thenmay open the first valve 224 a after a time delay to allow a volume ofthe fresh water to enter the bowl 231.

As shown in FIG. 17, the grey water is stored in a storage device in theform of a large scale tank 272. The tank 272 may be provided in thebuilding or dwelling in which the toilet 201 is located (e.g., in anattic, basement, crawl space, etc.), or the tank 272 may be providedexternal to or remote from the building or dwelling in which the toilet201 is located. According to another exemplary embodiment, the greywater is provided by a municipality or decentralized water treatmentfacility (e.g., a city) source, which collects and distributes the greywater. The large scale tank 272 may be configured to supply grey waterto multiple toilets configured to utilize grey water during a flushcycle. For example, the large scale tank 272 may supply grey water to asingle family home having multiple toilets, a multi-family home (e.g.,condominium, apartment, etc.) having multiple toilets, a commercialbuilding (e.g., hotel, office building, etc.) having multiple toilets,an industrial building (e.g., a factory, etc.), or any suitable facilityor structure having multiple toilets configured to utilize grey water.The large scale tank 272 may also supply multiple facilities orstructures with grey water. Thus, the large scale tank 272 may beconfigured to supply grey water to multiple toilets simultaneously. Eachfacility may be configured to include a grey water collection system tocapture grey water.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a grey watertoilet assembly including a toilet 301 and a grey water system 307 thatis configured to introduce captured grey water into the toilet 301during a flush cycle. The toilet 301 includes a tank 302, a pedestal 303configured to support the tank 302, and the grey water system 307. Thepedestal 303 may be configured similar to, generally the same as, ordifferent than the pedestals disclosed herein. For example, the pedestal303 may include a bowl 331 and a passage 306 fluidly connecting the bowl331 to a drain pipe or other suitable connection.

As shown, the tank 302 is configured as a dual compartment tank, havinga first compartment 325 configured to hold a volume of fresh water and asecond compartment 326 configured to hold a volume of grey water. Thefirst and second compartments 325, 326 are fluidly separated to prohibitcommingling of the fresh and grey waters.

The tank 302 may include an inlet, such as to allow a fluid (e.g., freshwater, grey water) to be introduced into the tank 302, and an outlet,such as to allow the fluid to exit the tank 302. According to anexemplary embodiment, the tank 302 includes a first inlet (not shown), asecond inlet 327, a first outlet 328 a, and a second outlet 328 b. Thefirst inlet (not shown) is configured to allow the fresh water to enterthe first compartment 325. As shown in FIG. 20, the second inlet 327 isconfigured to allow the grey water to enter the second compartment 326,such as from a storage device of the grey water system 307. The firstoutlet 328 a is configured to allow the fresh water to exit the firstcompartment 325. The second outlet 328 b is configured to allow the greywater to exit the second compartment 326.

The grey water system 307 may include a valve configured to control theflow of fluid through an inlet or outlet of the tank 302. As shown inFIG. 20, the system includes a first inlet valve 329 a and a secondinlet valve 329 b. The first inlet valve 329 a is fluidly connected tothe first inlet of the first compartment 325 to control the flow of thefresh water into the first compartment 325. The second inlet valve 329 bis fluidly connected to the second inlet 327 of the second compartment326 to control the flow the grey water into the second compartment 326.

As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the grey water system 307 also includes a firstoutlet valve 324 a and a second outlet valve 324 b. The first outletvalve 324 a is configured to control the flow of the fresh water fromthe first compartment 325 to the bowl 331, such as through a rim channelor jet of the toilet 301. The second outlet valve 324 b is configured tocontrol the flow of the grey water from the second compartment 326 tothe passage 306.

The grey water system 307 may optionally include one or more than onetube, pipe, or other suitable device to transfer the water (e.g., freshwater, grey water) to and/or from the tank 302. For example, the systemmay include a pair of inlet tubes, where one inlet tube transfers freshwater to the first compartment 325, and where the other tube transfersgrey water to the second compartment 326. Also, for example, the systemmay include a pair of outlet tubes, where one tube transfers fresh waterfrom the first compartment 325 to the bowl 331 of the toilet 301, andwhere the other tube transfers grey water from the second compartment326 to the passage 306 of the toilet 301.

The grey water toilet system of FIGS. 18-20 may include a method offlushing the toilet 301 that is similar to or the same as the othermethods disclosed herein, such as the five step methods. Alternatively,the method of the flushing the toilet 301 may be different. FIG. 18illustrates a pre-flush condition of the toilet 301, where the bowl 331includes a volume V1 of fresh water therein, and both outlet valves 324a, 324 b are in the closes position. Further, the first compartment 325of the tank 302 contains fresh water and the second compartment 326 ofthe tank 302 contains grey water. Upon actuation of a flush cycle, thesecond outlet valve 324 b opens and grey water is introduced into thepassage 306, as shown in FIG. 19. A volume V2 of grey water is deliveredto the passage 306. At a time before or after the opening of the secondoutlet valve 324 b, the first outlet valve 324 a is opened to allow afresh water to be introduced into the bowl 331. An amount of fresh wateris introduced into the bowl 331 until a volume V3 is reached. The supplyof fresh water and grey water induces a flush cycle of the contents ofthe bowl 331 through the passage 306. The second outlet valve 324 b maybe closed prior to the discharge of the contents of the bowl 331 throughthe passage 306. At a time before or after the closing of the secondoutlet valve 324 b, the first outlet valve 324 a.

The tank 302 may be configured as a pressure vessel that may assist inthe flush cycle of the toilet 301. For example, the first compartment325 may be in the form a well (e.g., depression) in the tank 302, wherethe fresh water may operate under the influence of gravity to assist inthe flush cycle. The second compartment 326 may be under pressure, whichmay be induced by the pressure of being pumped from, for example, amunicipality, which could be used to regulate the flush cycle andtiming, such as regulate the fresh water flush and timing. Thus, thetank 302 may be configured as a dual gravity and pressure operated tank.Alternatively, the tank 302 may rely on only gravity or only pressure tooperate the tank.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 401having a grey water system 407 that is configured to introduce capturedgrey water into the toilet 401 during a flush cycle. The toilet 401includes a pedestal 403, a fresh water assembly 402, a grey water system407, and a housing 408 that is configured to close off and conceal thepedestal 403, the fresh water assembly 402, and the grey water system407 to provide a generally hexahedron shaped toilet 401 with improvedaesthetics.

The pedestal 403 may be configured similar to, generally the same as, ordifferent than the pedestal 3. For example, the pedestal 403 may includea bowl 431 and a passage 406 fluidly connecting the bowl 431 to a drainpipe or other suitable connection. Additionally, the pedestal 403includes an inlet opening provided in the bowl 431, where the inletopening is configured to allow fresh water to be introduced into thebowl 431. For example, the toilet 401 may have a jet for introducing apressurized flow of fresh water into the bowl 431 through the inletopening.

As shown in FIG. 23, the fresh water assembly 402 includes a storagetank 428, where the storage tank 428 holds the fresh water until a flushcycle is activated. Once a flush cycle is activated, fresh water isdelivered to the bowl 431 through an outlet 427. For example, during aflush cycle, the jet may discharge the pressurized flow of the freshwater from the storage tank 428 into the bowl 431 through the inletopening. The storage tank 428 includes an inlet 428 a to receive thesupply of fresh water therethrough. The fresh water assembly 402 mayalso include a valve for controlling the flow of the fresh water fromthe storage tank 428 to the bowl 431 and/or from a fresh water supply tothe storage tank 428.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the grey water system 407 includes a secondstorage tank 472 having an inlet 472 a and an outlet 472 b. The inlet472 a receives the grey water from a source, such as, for example, acollection device or a municipal supply. The grey water is dischargedfrom the second storage tank 472 through the outlet 472 b to bedelivered to the toilet 401, such as to the passage 406. As shown, thegrey water system 407 may include piping or any other suitable device totransfer the grey water to and/or from the second storage tank 472. Forexample, a first pipe 473 a may deliver the grey water to the tank 472through the inlet 472 a from the source, and a second pipe 473 b maydeliver the grey water to the passage 406 from the second storage tank472.

The grey water system 407 may also include a valve that is configured tocontrol the flow of the grey water to and/or from the second storagetank 472. For example, the tank 472 may include a valve providedtherein, where the valve controls the flow of the grey water from thetank 472 to the passage 406. The valve may be controlled by an actuatorthat triggers a flush cycle of the toilet 401, or any other suitabledevice.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the toilet 401 may also include a lid 404in the form of a covering member that is configured to pivot about ahinge 440 attached to the housing 408. The lid 404 may pivot between aclosed (e.g., down) position and an open (e.g., up) position, such thatwhen in the closed position the lid 404 covers up the opening to thebowl 431 of the pedestal 403, and when in the open position the lid 404exposes (i.e., allows access to) the opening to the bowl 431.

The toilets as disclosed herein are configured to include grey watersystems that introduce a volume of grey water into the toilet, such asinto the passage or trapway, to reduce the consumption of fresh waterper flush cycle of the toilet. The grey water systems may also includecollection devices that capture the grey water and transfer the greywater to a holding tank until utilized during a flush cycle of thetoilet. The grey water may be introduced into the toilet through thepassage, such as a rearward and upper portion of the passage (i.e., onthe waste side of the system) to prohibit the grey water fromback-flowing into the bottom of the bowl of the toilet. This arrangementmay advantageously meet regulations (e.g., government regulations)without requiring any additional service, such as filters, tablets(e.g., chlorine), etc., by the end user. This arrangement may also betransparent to the end user, as the toilet may have the appearance offunctioning as a conventional toilet that uses only fresh water, andwould not require any additional maintenance relative to conventionaltoilets, since the grey water is introduced on the waste side of thesystem. The toilets using grey water as disclosed herein may beinstalled into existing structures with only a minimal amount ofremodeling, as the systems are minimally invasive to existinginfrastructure. Further, conventional toilets may be retrofitted toinclude a grey water system. These and other advantages of the toiletshaving grey water systems are apparent in view of the disclosedembodiments herein.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thetoilets and grey water systems as shown in the various exemplaryembodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also bemade in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the variousexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, one element disclosed in one embodiment may beused in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

1. A method of flushing a toilet, comprising: opening a first valve tointroduce a first supply of water into a passage to prime a siphon;opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of water into a bowlfrom a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communicationwith an inlet of the passage; closing the first valve to shut off thefirst supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl through anoutlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by the introductionof the first supply of water and the introduction of the second supplyof water; and closing the second valve to shut off the second supply ofwater.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising an actuator, theactuator being configured to open the first valve and the second valve,wherein the first supply of water is grey water, and wherein the secondsupply of water is fresh water.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theactuator opens the second valve after a first time delay from when theactuator opened the first valve.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thesecond valve closes after a second time delay from when the first valvecloses.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein each time delay isapproximately one to three seconds.
 6. The method of claim 2, whereinthe first valve is in fluid communication with a storage deviceconfigured to store a volume of grey water therein.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the storage device is located in the tank of thetoilet, and wherein the grey water in the storage device is fluidlyseparated from the fresh water in the tank.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the storage device is located in a base housing the bowl.
 9. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the passage includes a first end, a secondend, and a weir that is provided between the first and second ends,wherein the passage also includes an inlet opening provided between theweir and the second end, and wherein the inlet opening being isconfigured to receive the supply of grey water.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein a portion of the passage that is disposed between the weirand the second end defines a waste side of the passage, and wherein thegrey water remains on the waste side of the passage during the flushcycle.
 11. A method of flushing a toilet, comprising: opening a firstvalve to introduce a first supply of water into a bowl from a tank, thebowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of apassage; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of waterinto the passage to prime a siphon; closing the second valve to shut offthe second supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl throughan outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by theintroduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of thesecond supply of water; and closing the first valve to shut off thefirst supply of water.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising anactuator, the actuator being configured to open the first valve and thesecond valve, wherein the first supply of water is fresh water, andwherein the second supply of water is grey water.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the first valve is opened upon a rotation of theactuator, and wherein the second valve is opened after a first timedelay from when the actuator opened the first valve, and wherein thefirst valve closes after a second time delay from when the second valvecloses.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first valve is openedupon a first rotation of the actuator, and wherein the second valve isopened upon a second rotation of the actuator following the firstrotation of the actuator.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstsupply of water is fresh water and the second supply of water is greywater, and wherein the second valve is in fluid communication with astorage device configured to store a volume of grey water therein. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the storage device is located in thetank, and wherein the grey water in the storage device is fluidlyseparated from the fresh water in the tank.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the tank is supported by a top surface of a pedestal housing thebowl, and wherein the tank comprises: a first compartment configured tohouse the fresh water; a first inlet fluidly connecting the supply offresh water and the first compartment; a first outlet fluidly connectingthe first valve and the first compartment; a second compartment definedby the storage device and configured to house the grey water; a secondinlet fluidly connecting the supply of grey water and the secondcompartment; and a second outlet fluidly connecting the second valve andthe second compartment; wherein the first and second compartments arefluidly separated.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the storagedevice is coupled to and supported by a base that is configured to housethe bowl.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the tank holding thesupply of fresh water is also coupled to and supported by the base. 20.The method of claim 19, further comprising a housing that is configuredto close off and conceal the base, wherein the storage device and thetank are disposed underneath the housing between the base and thehousing.